In an effort to assist you in selecting a new racquet, here are some brief explanations of different racquet manufacturers' technologies. Don't be surprised if one manufacturer's trademarked technology sounds almost identical to another... only under a different name. If you're still confused, feel free to e-mail us at info@tennis-warehouse.com.

Dunlop Racquet Terms

Advanced Control System: Aramid interlock shaft design maintains feel, increasing ball response for supreme control and accuracy while intermediate modulus graphite provides power and racquet head stability.

D-Hoop Racquet Geometry: Designed to increase racquet head hoop stiffness to improve racquet head stability on off-center hits giving a wider sweetspot and improved accuracy.

ISIS (Impact Shock Isolation System): A decoupling handle design that is designed to significantly reduce frame shock and vibration. The graphite handle is separated and then reconnected using graphite rods encased in a polyurethane elastomer.

Thermoplastic Handle ISIS III: Handle system that combines thermoplastic and nylon resins to dampen frame vibration.

Gamma Racquet Terms

Diamond Fiber: Ultra-high modulus graphite fiber. Very stiff and very strong - allowing Gamma to use less overall material. Diamond fiber is combined with high modulus graphite for an overall lighter and stiffer racquet. Used in the Diamond Fiber C-3.0 racquets.

Muscle Beam Geometry: Rectangular frame cross-section (as opposed to the more aerodynamic kidney-bean shape), designed to provide a stiffer, more stable frame. Similar to Prince's Morph Beam, the desired result is greater power, and resistance to twisting for enhanced control and a solid, more stable feel.

Power Groove System: A frame geometry where a recessed groove is incorporated into the frame cross section and spans the entire inner surface of the racquet head. The groove expands the string bed area and in effect increases the effective length of all strings within the string bed. This makes the string bed elasticity more uniform across the string bed, especially in the shoulders of the frame where intersecting strings are the shortest, to expand the Power Zone or Sweetspot of the racquet.

SST Handle System: A Zorbicon II (high-density rubber) butt cap insert is attached to the graphite handle and surrounded by a Zorbicon II butt cap to reduce frame shock and vibration.

Torque Reduction System: Added weight at 3 and 9 o'clock (approximately 10 grams on each side) to increase stability on off-center reduction.

Head Racquet Terms

AnTi.Torsion System: Titanium/graphite composite stiffens both sides of the throat area and fuses in even more rigidity with a cross bar made of the same titanium/graphite composite.

ShockStop Dampener: Rubberized composite dampener placed inside the butt cap to reduce vibration.

TwinTube Construction: A soft thermoplastic shell surrounds the stiffer graphite composite frame for improved string and frame dampening.

Prince Racquet Terms

Cross Bar Stabilizer: 100% graphite stabilizing bar midway in the throat of the racquet to reduce twisting and provide a more solid feel. Precision Michael Chang Titanium, Graphite Classic.

Double Bridge: Clear dampener inserted between two parallel graphite bridges reduces string and frame vibration.

GraphitExtreme: Prince's premium grade graphite/carbon composition, designed to increase stiffness and power, while maintaining light weight.

Morph Beam: The fusing of an aerodynamic widebody head with a traditional, box-shaped shaft for greater resistance to twisting and a more solid feel.

Shock Eraser Insert: Thermoplastic rubber core inside a thermoplastic elastomer butt cap is pressure fit into the shaft to reduce frame shock and vibration.

Sweet Spot Suspension System: String support system, designed to dampen vibration and increase sweet spot size providing larger grommets typically at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock. These larger grommets allow the strings freer movement, thus providing greater forgiveness on off-center hits.

Pro Kennex Racquet Terms

Kinetic System Technology: Thousands of micro-bearings are housed inside chambers around the racquet head. As the racquet swings forward, the micro-bearings move to the back wall of the frame, loading energy. When the racquet strikes the ball, this kinetic mass transfers forward, adding power and reducing frame shock and vibration.

Wilson Racquet Terms

Dual Taper Beam: Wilson's varying width of a racquet's cross-section. From a side view, the cross-section of a Dual Taper Beam racquet varies from thin-to-thick-to thin in the racquet's head-to-shoulder-to-handle regions respectively. This tapered design concentrates racquet stiffness in the primary area where the racquet bends during ball contact.

Perimeter Weighting System: Uses weight on the perimeter (3 and 9 o'clock positions) of the frame to increase the racquet's inertia and to improve torsional stability and reduce racket twisting.

InTune Handle System: High-density rubber butt cap insert is attached to the graphite handle to reduce frame shock and vibration.

Power Holes: Elongated grommet holes on the inside of the racket head, allowing the strings to move more freely upon ball impact. The result is more forgiveness during off-center hits. Wilson Power Holes are also designed to expand the actual string response area, "enabling players to experience the power of an oversize racquet with the control of a midsize."

Yonex Racquet Terms

Integrated Power Weight System: Places weight at 3 and 9 o'clock positions to help reduce torque and compensate for off-center hits.

Isometric Head Shape: Yonex's signature squarish head shape, whereby the mains strings are more equal in length than a traditional oval-shaped head. Designed to create a larger sweetspot and more consistent feel on balls hit

Oval Pressed Shaft: Manufacturing method, designed to provide more shaft flex on impact for enhanced spin and control.

Super Power Balance System: More weight is distributed in the upper hoop to create a head-heavy balance. Allows for overall lighter weight, while retaining mass in the hitting zone.

Triangular Widebody Cross-Section: Triangle-shaped cross-section to provide more power and frame stability.